THE community will be given the opportunity to thank its 'local heroes' who work in the early childhood development sector.
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Nominees for the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards will go to the judging panel on May 6, to demonstrate their commitment, hard work and passion of outstanding leaders in communities in the field of early childhood.
Oak Flats resident Marie Armstrong of Early Years Care Family Day Care, Oak Flats was nominated in the Educator of the Year category.
Ms Armstrong said her “passion and drive” came from knowing that children learned and developed most in the first five years of their life.
“Children thrive in positive and nurturing environments full of creativity and learning opportunities,” she said.
“Every day that a child is able to play and belong is a day of learning and discovery.
“My absolute passion lies with family day care.
"Children’s first learning comes from their family and their home, so it makes absolute sense that children transitioning to child care should start with family day care.
“The way a child develops can affect their whole life-long pathway.
“The Illawarra has fantastic early childhood agencies working for families and we are extremely lucky to be one of them.”
Each finalist must demonstrate their achievements in five key areas which include improving child well-being, children's programs, early childhood service, ongoing professional learning and the development of inclusive interactions and partnerships with families.
The awards will be judged by a panel from the early childhood sector who will seek individuals and services that best reflect the highest of quality in work with young children.
Each nomination is reviewed by the judging panel to determine finalists, and the state winners will be revealed on June 5.
The national winners of each category will be announced at a gala event on Friday, June 19 and share in more than $75,000 in prizes including $40,000 in training and professional development grants.